Electronic Mail in Academic Libraries: Is It Worth the Investment? Available to Purchase

Academic libraries′ attempts to react positively to changes take many forms. Libraries have been adept at investing in new technology in attempts to cater for their users′ increasingly sophisticated information needs. In some cases, as with electronic mail for example,investment has been made without clear idea of applications or consequences. Looks at the nature of electronic mail, how it differs from other information technologies, and its role in bringing academic libraries into much closer contact with curriculum delivery as opposed to curriculum support. Describes some of the experiences of students and staff at Preston College within this area. Concludes that despite initial difficulties in managing this facility the investment has paid back in many unanticipated ways.